Both of those covers were gorgeous, and captured the rapturous feeling of her darkly romantic fairy tales

Rosamund has written so many fascinating guest posts before.

I knew we’d have a treat for our readers, especially having read the synopsis, which says it was inspired by Romeo and Juliet…but with necromancers. (!!!) But oh my stars, I still wasn’t prepared for what she sent. Are you ready to set your eyes upon this vision?

Are you sure?

Just look at this beauty!

The mood of this cover is utterly gorgeous–I love the somber colors contrasted with the scarlet of her dress, and I’m struck by the image and stillness of this girl standing alone with the mysterious hooded figures behind her. What are they doing? Is it some sort of evil ceremony, and is she prepared for it?!

That tag line has me in a frenzy of longing as well. The world is burning, you guys. BURNING.

Here’s a summary of the story, as well as a few words from Rosamund on how this book came to be. Oh, and stick around at the end, because we’re giving away two copies of the very first ARCs available!

Bright Smoke, Cold Fire Synopsis:

When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched.

The heirs of the city’s most powerful—and warring—families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan—and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die.

Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong—killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy . . . and perhaps turn against his own clan.

Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city—but she’s the only one who believes it’s in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death—and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara.

Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. . . .

Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, Bright Smoke, Cold Fire is a darkly romantic and atmospheric fantasy from acclaimed author Rosamund Hodge. It will be released on September 27th, 2016.

From Rosamund Hodge:

Like many of us, I read Romeo and Juliet in high school. It was the first Shakespeare play I had ever read with vocabulary notes, and so my main reaction was sheer horror at the vast quantity of dirty jokes. But I also thought the story itself was really dumb. Romeo and Juliet are supposed to be the Greatest And Most Tragic Love Story Ever, yet their love seemed to be no more than the worst hormonal impulses (and I was an incredibly judgmental teen), while their tragedy came down to bad timing.

So how did I end up writing a duology about it?

All of my books have multiple origin stories. Bright Smoke, Cold Fire is no exception.

This is one origin story: I got a chance at discount tickets to see the ballet Roméo et Juliette. “Okay,” I told myself, “I hate Romeo and Juliet, but I love ballet. I’ll just admire the dancing and ignore the story.”

Hah.

Here’s what Roméo et Juliette does: it frames the entire story as Friar Laurence’s attempt to end the feud. Romeo and Juliet are still impulsive teenagers, but their love isn’t just hormones—it’s a real chance at creating peace between the families. Romeo killing Tybalt is the most gut-wrenching, dramatic moment in the entire ballet, because that’s when Romeo becomes personally involved in the feud. It’s when he becomes guilty of the same violence as the rest of his family. It’s when tragedy becomes inevitable, no matter how early or late he might have gotten to the crypt.

I watched that ballet and was enthralled. I also instantly decided that if I ever wrote a story about Romeo and Juliet, it would involve Juliet being a semi-brainwashed super-warrior, whose one attempt at independent personhood was running away with Romeo.

Look, I can’t explain my subconscious.

But I can defend it. Because when I reread Romeo and Juliet, several years later, I found that while Romeo spends a lot of time falling to the floor and moaning about Love, Juliet is made of solid steel. Juliet is the one who gets speeches about honor, about keeping her vows and how she is willing to die to do it. She also gets most of the snark. Juliet, basically, is awesome, and I will fight anyone who says otherwise. So it makes total sense for her to be the badass warrior in any retelling.

This is the other origin story: I reread Romeo and Juliet for the first time since high school. You heard that already, but here’s what I didn’t mention before: I got to the scene where Romeo is about to go into the crypt, but Paris is there, and they duel to the death. And I thought, “Wouldn’t it be hilarious if they accidentally got a psychic link and had to fight crime together? And by ‘crime,’ I mean ‘necromancers’!”

I. Can’t. Explain. My. Subconscious.

But I can totally defend it. Romeo and Juliet is a story about love and revenge, but it’s also a story about two teenagers who find themselves deeply, horrifyingly alone. Romeo has friends—Benvolio and Mercutio—but he can’t trust them with the secret of his love for Juliet. Then Mercutio dies and everything goes to pieces. While Juliet? She has no one. Her parents are ready to disown her if she doesn’t marry Paris. Her nurse, who helped her marry Romeo, doesn’t understand why she’s upset. And Friar Laurence? He could have gone to the Prince of Verona—the guy who was so totally Done With the feud that he threatened to execute anyone who kept fighting—and told him that Juliet’s parents were forcing her into bigamy. But Friar Laurence is too obsessed with his clever plans; the only way out he gives Juliet is a fake death that becomes real.

I wanted to changed that. So I wrote a novel that starts almost at the end of the play: where two desperate, lonely, lovesick teenagers are ready to die. And then—very much against their will—they are both dragged into living and finding a friend. It changes everything for them. It might even be enough to avert tragedy.

Maybe.

About the Author

Rosamund Hodge loves mythology, Hello Kitty, and T. S. Eliot. She writes YA fantasy that draws on two of those things. In her wild youth, she studied Medieval English at Oxford; she now lives in Seattle and writes wildly.

Thanks to the author and our friends at Balzer + Bray, when the first ARCs of the book become available around March, two of our readers will win a precious copy! We’re going to keep this pretty simple, so here’s how you may enter:

One winner will be chosen from the comments below. Tell us why you’re excited to read the book!

2. The second winner will be chosen from those who retweet Wendy’s tweet about the cover reveal. (Please use the official RT button–if you use the quote RT, we can’t track it. You must have a public profile, too.)

Enter either one you want, although you have two chances to win if you do both options!

Open to US residents aged 18 and up, or 13 and up with parental permission. Our usual giveaway rules apply, and entries will be closed on Monday, February 29th, 2016.

Giveaways are provided by the author/publisher.

I’m wild to know what happens to these two girls and to find out where Rosamund’s revisionist storytelling takes us. If history (and this post!) gives us any indication, Bright Smoke, Cold Fire is going to be a sweepingly romantic and torturous read. Are you as excited to read this as I am?

This cover is so incredibly stunning! I just finished Crimson Bound and I was completely blown away! Plus, it’s inspired by Romeo and Juliet which is so interesting and I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds!

Latasha Woodral

Romeo and Juliet has always been a favorite of mine–because of the many possibilities in the story. There is so much to play with, so many things to add and take away. The original story is–ok but there are so many questions that aren’t answered. This book sounds like the perfect answer to one of my questions: ie, what if R&J didn’t die what would happen then? And teaming up Romeo and Paris? BRILLIANT!!!!! I AM SO STOKED TO READ THIS BOOK!

Krystal L

I’m super excited for this new book! I love her unique spins on classic stories, making them almost unrecognizable if I didn’t know from the start that they were retellings of a sort. Which I absolutely love. I can’t wait to read her take on Romeo and Juliet!

When you first mentioned this on Twitter Wendy I was already flailing. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to read this blog post haha. My gosh the premise is fabulous. I was wondering how necromancers came in and now I see and after reading the synopsis it really sounds like it fits in so well together.
Rosamund now has me yearning to see the ballet too.

Melissa Amador

Romeo and Juliet has always been one of my favorite Shakespearean plays and now Rosamund Hodge is giving me a retelling?!?!! I think this is going to be such an amazing ride, oh my goodness I’m so excited for this book. And the cover…oh my that cover is stunning!!

Maria Cruz

This sound out of this world! Let me tell you I read Romeo and Juliet in different forms. First in 8th grade through a beautiful classic picture book. In 10th for one on my classes and none of my classes mates understood and needed translated (those dumbies!) And again for a comp and rec class. I was so confused about whether I liked it or not and the movies? (Ugh! Let’s not go there!) I most recently read Prince of Shadows by Rachel Cain it was about Rosalie and Benvolio and loved it! So am I ready for this retelling? Yes I am!

Mithila

I always come back to this cover because it’s probably my favourite of the books she has out! Since I found out the title, I was already intrigued and the cover is just PERFECT. I can’t wait to see how she twists Romeo & Juliet!

Cindy

I am so excited for the release if this book! I’ve read every single novel you’ve written, including the short stories you’ve posted online, and I find myself deeply enthralled with your writing. There is a certain melody in the way your words flow out as ink on paper, and truly, after reading Cruel Beauty, I fell in love. I read all your books within three days; I was obsessed. I literally breathed, read, ate, slept. Crimson Bound is actually my favourite book, and Of the Death of Kings made me reevaluate my whole existence. Don’t Look hit a personal spot, and I cried my eyes out in And Her Eyes Sewn Shut with Unicorn Hair. Nonetheless, I am a huge fan, and will be eagerly awaiting this novel!
Best of Wishes:)

Michaela Burns

Liked Cruel Beauty but loved Crimson Bound. From the very first page, I was captivated by Rachelle. Hodge has this magical talent to create complex heroines that are selfish, tortured and worthy to be loved. When you add in awesome fantasy worlds she’s practically unbeatable. Now she’s reimagining Shakespeare(the original badass) with necromancy and a warrior princess Juliet? Also pretty cover… Just take my money!

Nikhi

Laurel S.

I didn’t love Crimson Bound as much as everyone else did, but I have to say that I will be buying Bright Smoke, Cold Fire as soon as it comes out. Rosamund Hodge creates the most imaginative, unique fairy tale retellings of anyone I’ve read, and this one sounds completely out the box, not to mention tons of fun. I’m not really a romance fan, so jumping in after the original end of the story (and romance) sounds great. Lastly, that is a simply stunning cover; maybe even my favorite of her covers so far.

Rachel Post

cruel beauty left me in a daze. breathless and shocked, the characters so incredibly fully developed, i can relate to Maia in her desperate inner turmoil not to be bitter and jealous of someone who can be perceived as more privileged, and shoving it down and the turmoil it creates as it festers in the heart, and not being perfect and making mistakes but in the end always coming back to do the right thing. in Crimson Bound i absolutely loved Rachelle, at every turn in her life subconsciously and consciously striving to be the best version of her self, the world is against her and who she is, but she is confident and proud in herself. every single time Romand Hodge creates a book not only does she create a complex developing cast she creates a whole new world, beautifully i might add. i am so insanely excited to read this new book! :D

Rachel Post

Lira

I fell so hard in love with Cruel Beauty and Crimson Bound, and I can’t wait to read this! Cruel Beauty was the first book in which I found a character that I strongly connected to on a personal level, and I did a whole chapter analyzing the book in my thesis. I’m so excited for her next book!

Kami

WOW! Up to this point all I knew about Bright Smoke, Cold Fire was that it was a Romeo and Juliet retelling, and that was enough to sell me on it. But now? Now I’m even more desperate to get my hands on this book. Necromancers? Paris and Romeo being forced to team up and fight crime? Juliet as a “semi-brainwashed super warrior?” Sign me up!!!Angela @ Angela’s Library recently posted…Love-A-Thon Kick-Off: Questionnaire

rajee

rajee

Samantha C

That cover! ❤️ That synopsis! ❤️ A Romeo and Juliet retelling! ❤️ Everything about this book sounds so amazing and I need to get my hands on it now, today, a.s.a.p, pronto, immediately, five minutes ago!!!

Dana

ktlemonhead

Rosamund Hodge’s books have seriously changed my life. I picked up Cruel Beauty about a month after it came out on a whim and read it in one day. The way Hodge writes is so honest and inspiring that it make me cry! I had a similar experience with Crimson Bound, except this time there was no whim–I made sure to order a signed copy as soon as they were available! (Also: HER SHORT STORIES. KILL ME. EVERY TIME.) I am unbelievably excited to read Bright Smoke, Cold Fire! I’m sure I’ll die when I get to hold it in my hands.

OH MY GOSH THAT COVER!
I abosolutely loved her book Cruel Beauty and Crimson Bound so I’m super excited to read this one! It seems super interesting. Although I wasn’t a fan on Romeo and Juliet I still think I’m going to really like this one! :)Sally recently posted…Contemporary Book Boyfriends | Happy Valentine’s Day!

I admit to thinking that Romeo and Juliet was a ridiculous love story. Never did like their doomed romance because it did not speak to me at all. BUT I’ve read Rosamund Hodge’s 2 books and I enjoyed it. I loved Cruel Beauty and was captivated by the darkness. EPIC! I can’t wait for Bright Smoke, Cold Blood! I mean, NECROMANCERS?! Sign me up!Zeee @ I Heart Romance & YA recently posted…Bookish Discussions: I Thought I Lost it but I Found Love….Again

Arika Pasha

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK!! THE COVER IS SO BEAUTIFUL OH MY GOD! I really wanna read this book because “Cruel Beauty” and “Crimson Bound” by Rosamund Hodge are definitly some of my favourite books that I’ve ever read. Anything that Rosamund writes is so beautifully written and very dark, which makes her books so much better. Also, i really enjoyed reading Romeo and Juliet in high school, and i can’t wait to see how Rosamund will retell it. THIS BOOK IS ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF THIS YEAR (NOW ALONG WITH “HARRY POTTER AND THE THE CURSED CHILD, OF COURSE)!

We are beyond excited for this book! We adore Rosamund’s ability to weave a well-worn fairy tale into something shiny and new and wonderful.
Fingers crossed we win. Thank you for the great interview and contest.

Sarah

The cover for this is beautiful. I can’t wait to read it. Ive followed Rosamund Hodge on Goodreads ever since I read Cruel Beauty. I loved her spin on the classic fairytale look forward to reading her other works.

Chiara P.

That sounds so good! I just finished reading Crimson Bound and Cruel Beauty a few weeks ago, and both were spectacular. I had conflicting feelings about Romeo & Juliet for the same reasons as Rosamund when I read it, but Hodge’s take the story sounds so interesting! Necromancers and Shakespeare? Sign me up! I love how she changes these classic stories and turns them into such amazing books! It’s so interesting to see where she gets her ideas. I also have those moments when I read/watch something and have a crazy thought about “what if…” I can’t think of anyone else to write this story. I know she’ll do such a good job with it. And that cover is so gorgeous!

Brittani

This sounds so amazing! I was already hooked when just the brief description was released, but this sounds even more intriguing. I love Romeo & Juliet (partially because so many people hate it, I’ll admit) so I’m excited to see what Hodge does with the story. I absolutely LOVED both Crimson Bound and Cruel Beauty, so I can’t wait to get my hands on this!

Anastasia

This sounds amazing! The cover and the title are gorgeous, too. It’s always interesting to see how authors come up with book ideas, and Ms. Hodge’s story is no exception. (I can definitely relate to not being able to “explain my subconscious”; I’m a writer, too, and sometimes, when I explain what my books are about and what inspired me to write them, I realize the explanation sounded better and made a lot more sense in my head than it does out loud. :| )

I’ve been hoping to get into her work for some time, but I haven’t had the opportunity to do so; I checked out Crimson Bound from the library, but didn’t get the chance to read it. Will definitely be adding BRIGHT SMOKE to my TBR list!

Andreana S

This sounds awesome! I haven’t read any of Rosamund Hodge’s books but they’re on my TBR list and this is no exception. I love a good retelling, and the synopsis makes Romeo & Juliet sound appealing. Plus, the cover is gorgeous.

J.

Oooh. This is awesome. I loved both of Hodge’s other books as well, and this cover, despite being a bit darker than I like, is so awesome. I love the aerial view–when I saw the small cover, a lot of the details escaped me, but seeing it in the post in all its large glory was awesome.

Romeo and Juliet was always one of those plays where I loved the language but hated the story. I can’t wait to see what Hodge does with this. Thanks for sharing! :)

W Kahn

I first encountered Rosamund Hodge through reading Cruel Beauty. I had fallen in love with her writing by the end (particularly in how she thematically worked off of the Lewis brothers for her books; CS Lewis is my favorite author). Crimson Bound was only better, to say nothing of her amazing short stories. I think I enjoy reading her particularly because her characters feel things very strongly – but they acknowledge that what is right might not be what they want at all, and so they struggle with those feelings. Following your heart can be disastrous if you have no control of what’s in there.

I’ve always liked Romeo and Juliet for the opposite reason – they are emotionally children, so everything they feel at that moment utterly consumes them (like a toddler thinking her world is ending without that toy you’re not buying her). There’s something fascinating and bewildering to me about someone going about letting themselves be so wholeheartedly consumed. I have always maintained, however, that their death was the only appropriate end for the story – a romantic interest isn’t nearly interesting enough to let yourself be happily consumed by them for years. A week seems like enough, and it’s a total killjoy for them to breakup at the end.

I’m unreasonably excited to see how Rosamund Hodge is going to work this. Not only do the fantastical bits sound really cool, I want to see what Romeo and Juliet would be like if they had gotten to grow up and had to get past their myopic perspective. I can’t think of anyone better to write such a story.

Amanda K

YASSSSS I am so freaking excited to read Bright Smoke, Cold Fire. I personally hated Romeo and Juliet like Rosamund, so much so that I got in a verbal fight with a theater TA when he wanted me to do a scene from the play and I called it stupid before saying that he couldn’t make me (which almost got me suspended in the end, but I was right). To see this version that is more than just a bunch of teenagers who are angsty and lusty makes me interested. After all, I adore her retelling of Cinderella, which was another story I did not like. Plus, Necromancy is overdone yet like dystopia and vampires.

moira

It’s sound so epic. I’m afraid it can’t be that much amazing because it border on the line of awesome and thats way to much superlatives in tiny space. But still, I so so so much hope it will turn out to be a great read and can’t wait to try it.

This cover *heart eyes* I haven’t read Crimson Bound yet, but I loved Cruel Beauty, and this book sounds amazing. I really want to read it. (that said I don’t live in the US so don’t count me in for the giveaway) Sabriel is one of my favourite books ever, and I’m anticipating someone else’s take on necromancy.

Gooorgeous post Wendy :D Thank you SO MUCH for sharing about this cover. <3 It looks SO PRETTY :D I love it! <3 But ah. I'm not sure I will read this one :\ Sigh. I loved her first book. But never reading her second one, lol. So I need to see some reviews of this one first :D But I am curious. <3Carina Olsen recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday #226

I’m really impressed with Hodge’s skill in writing non-blegh romances, and I also hated Romeo and Juliet for the same reasons she did, so I’m super pumped to see how she will redeem it for me. Also, necromancers! How often are necromancers in a YA romance? Yes please! Plus, there seems to be a really high chance for a kickass female friendship, something that purifies my soul every time I encounter it. Another plus is the SUPER PRETTY COVER!

Ashley

Shoshanna

I have read Cruel Beauty and Crimson Bound and loved them both. Cruel Beauty left me transfixed. I had a hard time moving on to other books immediately after reading it. When I heard Rosamund Hodge wrote Crimson Bound, I was excited to read it and she did not disappoint! I particularly liked her incorporation of the theme “the path of needles or the path of pins.” I look forward to reading her next book.

Sarah

Sarah

Amber

I am excited to read this book because I love Rosamund Hodge’s stories and writing. I read cruel beauty, Crimson bound, and gilded ashes and I fell in love with them all. I can’t wait to see what her next story will be like. And of course every cover she has had has been beautiful!

Gah, this cover’s gorgeous! I’ve forced at least four people to read Cruel Beauty; that and Crimson Bound are two of my favorite retellings. Also, necromancy? Shakespeare? Yes, please. I can’t wait for this release.Ash recently posted…(REVIEW) Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

I’m so, so, so excited for this book! I love retellings of any kind, but especially Greek mythology retellings, Fairy Tale retellings and retellings based on classics. Romeo & Juliet is such a timeless classic. I especially love dark, twisted retellings and Bright Smoke, Cold Fire definitely sounds twisted! I’ve been excited for this book since the only info provided on Goodreads was the small PM announcement! Rosamund is a gorgeous writer and she really has an amazing way of telling a story. I’m absolutely dying to get my hands on this!

I read Cruel Beauty last year and completely ate it up in less than a day – which was incredible at the time, because I was still kicking and swinging out of a book slump earlier in the year. Cruel Beauty swiftly became one of my all-time favourite novels. I read Crimson Bound soon after, and Gilded Ashes just yesterday, and I am so taken away with Rosamund Hodge's retellings. Additionally, her protagonists are some of my favourites I've ever read.

I am suuuper intrigued to see what Rosamund will do with the story of Romeo and Juliet (I personally am in the school that analyze it as a mockery of love, and not a love story at all! It's much more enjoyable when read and watched with that context in mind). Her retellings haven't let me down yet. And bonus: necromancers! If you want my attention, necromancers will do the job. Cannot. Wait.

I’ve never been a big fan of the original Romeo and Juliet – but the fact that Rosamund watched a ballet interpretation of the book and got inspired to make it something different and (potentially) so much better? I’m interested. And necromancers! I’ve been in such a DnD mood that just noticing that detail made me flail even more. I’m curious about the backstory of this all (including the dead coming to life) and just… everything about it! Thank you for sharing this and thanks for the giveaway. ☺️Kalli recently posted…TTT: Books that Focus on Friendship

Jenelle Riane

I love EVERYTHING about this book so far! More amazing fantasy stories from Rosamund Hodge, and necromancers, yes please! Plus holy crap that cover is beautiful. That might be my favourite 2016 cover so far!

Love that cover! No one would ever say I am a fan of Romeo & Juliet, but Rosamund Hodge is one of my favorite authors and Crimson Bound is one of my favorite books, so I am very excited to see what she has created with no prejudice whatsoever. Just from that synopsis I’m already sure I’ll love it! Thanks to The Midnight Garden for hosting such an excellent giveaway!

Fatima

BonnieJean

I’m excited to read Bright Smoke, Cold Fire because I love retellings, but even more because I love the amazing way that Rosamund Hodge creates gorgeous and breathtaking visuals out of words on a page.

Cindy

Oh my goodness, I have had this book shelved on my TBR since last year. Last year. As in the beginning of last year. Wow. I can’t believe there’s less than a year left-so excited! The cover is pretty, I love the title, and the synopsis sounds downright amazing. Bright Smoke, Cold Fire is one of my most anticipated books this year. Only seven months left… :)

Sarah C.

I am excited to read Bright Smoke, Cold Fire because I really enjoyed Cruel Beauty and Crimson Bound. Ms. Hodge’s writing style is lovely and her story lines so interesting. Thank you for the opportunity to read the book early!

I love that cover!!!! Bright Smoke, Cold Fire sounds really good. I have yet to read any of these author’s books, but hopefully I shall change that soon. I love retellings and Romeo and Juliet retellings are my favorite! :D I can’t wait to read it.Kay @ It’s a Book Life recently posted…Review: Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Lia

I love all of Rosamunde Hodge’s books and have forced people I’m barely on chit chat level of knowing to read them. Good to know I’ll have another to stuff in their faces soon. (After I gobble it up first, of course) ;)

Trami Nguyen

Natalie

THAT COVER THOUGH! It’s so awesome, the feeling it gives off with those girls in cloaks surrounding somethings like they’re about to pull some cult voodoo, wow. I love Rosemund Hodge. Can we get a slow clap for Cruel Beauty? AMAZING. Ignifex for president, I say (maybe not, but he’d be better then Kanye). Thank you so much for the giveaway!!

Pearl

Vivien

OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!! O.O This cover is absolutely stunning!!! First Nevernight blew me away and now this cover. The cover gods are truly remarkable right now!!! I still have Crimson Bound to read, but now I know exactly what my next read will be. I truly adore Rosamond’s writing style!!

This would be my first ever ARC. I’m turning sixteen next week, and I’m really into books! Outside of school, I read about twenty a year (juggling with my four main shows, anime, and other interests!) I’m an aspiring author, and I think the more bookish I get, the more motivated I will be to write a novel.

I typically read Young Adult romance books in the fantasy, dystopian, and science-fiction genres. I’m currently reading Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer. I saw this book posted about on tumblr, and I figured I could try it out. I was planning to read Crimson Bound after I finished The Lunar Chronicles, anyway. :) I like to feel as though I’ve done something special in my life, like not many people at school are all that into books, more or less could they say they got an ARC. I don’t think I deserve the ARC as much as these other dedicated fans of Rosamund Hodge, however. I just figured that I’ll never know unless I try, and I might not get another chance to get an ARC for a book I’m interested in for a long time… I hope I didn’t mess up my grammar, I’m a bit sleepy right now.

I absolutely LOVE Rosamond Hodge’s prose and her characterization is always incredibly thoughtful which I appreciate. Not to mention, no matter how crazy and out there her re-tellings are, they always work for me. I’ve loved both her previous novels and am fully prepared to fall in love with this one, too. I already am head-over-heels for the premise of two couples, two pairs of friends, and two romances in this, not to mention some truly epic kick-ass scenes. Thanks for debuting this cover, Wendy–let the countdown to the release begin! ;)Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings recently posted…Review: Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Oh god. I finished Gilded Ashes the other day (after already reading Cruel Beauty & Crimson Bound) and I told myself “okay, what do I need to sell so Rosamund Hodge can release another book?” I guess I can keep my freaking kidney because YASSSS I’M SO EXCITED! I mean the summary confused me so bad, but I will take the confusion. Thanks for the chance! :)Marianne @ Boricuan Bookworms recently posted…{Movie Review} Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Amy Dorman

I absolutely fell in love with Cruel Beauty. The complexity of it, the beautifully dark undertones, the rich worldbuilding. Likewise, Crimson Bound didn’t disappoint! I love the idea of modern retelling of classics and Rosamund Hodge delivers in spades, showing aspects of the classics that I hadn’t appreciated before. I am SO SO excited for Bright Smoke, Cold Fire! I read R&J in high school with similar misgivings to those Rosamund mentioned, so I’m eager to see how she makes this classic her own. I’d be thrilled to receive an ARC…many thanks for the chance! And THANKS to Rosamund for writing such beautifully intriguing tales!

C

When I’d first heard of Cruel Beauty last year, I hesitated to read this nor Crimson Bound, as I’m not particularly comfortable with steamy romances (I’m rather shameless about how scandalized I get, HAHA). Yet eventually, when I did delve in, I LOVED what I found: originality, deep characters, and rich world-building.

Ms. Hodge is a deft, lovely writer, and I cannot wait to read BRIGHT SMOKE, COLD FIRE!! Thanks for this opportunity! <3

Lola Sharp

I have a particular weakness for Shakespearean tragedies. (What that says about me, well, I don’t want to think too hard on that.) I eagerly await what she does with her version and world. This cover is truly gorgeous, as are her others. *heart eyes*

Holy Crow, I NEED THIS ONE!! I still haven’t read any of her previous books, for shame I know!, but I have both in my TBR pile and this one is going straight to my pre-order list!! Also reading about the ballet inspiring her?? NOW I NEED TO WATCH THE BALLET LIVE AGAIN, soooo long since I watched it! =/

I am excited to read this book because about a year ago, I read Cruel Beauty for the first time. And about five months ago I finished Crimson Bound. I just downloaded Gilded Ashes on my phone, and I’m enjoying it just as well.
You had me hooked on your stories. I never thought that I could find an author who I love to read as much as JK Rowling. Your books gave me something to do during my down time.

Not only is this cover and title GORGEOUS, I am so in love with the concept and how Rosamund came to it. R&J has never been my favorite Shakespearan play either, but I loved the premise and I love that this takes that premise and gives us more. Can. Not. Wait.

OMIGOSH THIS SOUNDS FREAKING AMAZING. I have the same feelings about Romeo and Juliet as Hodge did in high school: lots of hormones in a tragic, almost foolish love story. BUT I totally get where she’s coming from, with the whole peace with the family feud. I LOVE the idea of Paris and Romeo getting together OMG, and I can’t wait to read about the friendships that develop between each of the characters. This seems as delightful as all the other dark, rich fantasies that Hodge writes!Aila @ One Way Or An Author recently posted…Book Review: The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

Mave

This book sound amazing! Romeo and Juliet is one of my favorite tragic romances ever and I would love to have the opportunity to read this retelling as an ARC. I hope I get the chance to read it! Thank you for doing this! <3

I LOVED Cruel Beauty but haven’t read Crimson Bound yet, but I am sure that I will love that one as well. Plus, I love the story about Romeo and Juliet, so I am sure this book will become one of my favorites. That cover is seriously gorgeous and needs to be on my shelf!

I would really love to read this retelling because I too was not a fan of Romeo and Juliet in highschool. I had to rewrite the story for an assignment, it grew on me a little after that. I called it Rachel and Jamie. And reversed their roles throughout the story. Bright Smoke, Cold Fire sounds like a version I might really enjoy and I can’t wait for it to be released.

I am so excited for this book because I’m a massive fan of dark novels and Rosamund Hodge never disappoints! Also, who can resist a Romeo and Juliet retelling?! I love seeing how classical books could have ended differently and this one just sounds so incredibly brilliant.Sajda @ Across the Words recently posted…January Wrap-Up

That cover is absolutely lovely, as are the rest of her covers. But this might be my favorite. Gorgeous and dark and inciting all kinds of questions about the story! I love it! I can’t wait to read it…a Romeo and Juliet retelling that starts at the end of their tale? Sounds AMAZING. And it’s a duology?!? I didn’t know just how much I wanted this book until now…

I am SO incredibly excited for this book! Like Rosamund, Romeo and Juliet was my first Shakespeare play, and I was incredibly underwhelmed when I read it in high school. There were some independent phrases I enjoyed from the play, but I just couldn’t get over the inpulsivity of the two teens. I like how it seems that Rosamund has taken the darker, more interesting elements and spun them in a way that makes the story carry more weight. Lovely post, Wendy!

WOW. I’ve been waiting for this cover for eons and it’s GORGEOUS. All of her covers are incredibly gorgeous along with the story and I’m soooo excited for this!Asma recently posted…THE IMMORTAL RULES by Julie Kagawa — A Review

Jenica

Quite honestly, I’m over the moon at the thought of a Romeo and Juliet “retread” from Rosamund Hodge. Cruel Beauty and Crimson Bound are two of my all-time favorite reads. They’re so poignantly dark and beautifully written, but always with light breaking through the darkness and a chance for redemption. Aaaahhh, I can’t wait for this one!

Rebecca

I actually got chills when I saw that cover! I love Rosamund Hodge’s books and I’ve been anticipating this since I heard about it last year. I’m so excited it finally has a cover and a full synopsis. It sounds amazing.

Sahar H.

Ahhhh I can’t wait! RH’s books always manage to have all of my favorite elements : Strong, intelligent, but not annoying heroines(which is somehow a balance that’s hard to strike? The words make sense in my head, but not on paper.); wonderful, fantastical plots; and really really good romance. Honestly, I can’t wait to tear into any of Hodge’s books, bit this one looks priceless.

Sylvie Bower

I’m super excited to read this book because hello? It’s Rosamund Hodge!!! I will pick up any book that she writes because I know that each and every one of them will be amazing. And besides, it’s inspired by Romeo and Juliet. AND THAT COVER IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!

Susan

HOLY MOLY. Bright Smoke, Cold Fire sounds so epic! Plus, I love that it’s inspired by Romeo & Juliet – and that it’s going to completely turn my perception of the story over on its head. I’ve loved Romeo & Juliet (as much as you can love a Shakespearean tragedy) for years, and it’s always exciting to see authors writing stories inspired by it!Alexa S. recently posted…FOF Book Club: Damar Series

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